Vettel confident of Ferrari victory
Melbourne, March 13 (IANS): Four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel said he has full confidence in the ...

Melbourne, March 13 (IANS): Four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel said he has full confidence in the event's safety aspects despite persistent rumours that Fernando Alonso suffered an electric shock in pre-season testing.

Ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix here, Vettel said on Thursday he completely trusted the decisions of his new team Ferrari, reports Xinhua.

"Nobody wants to send us on the track when they believe that something is not right. We have far too much of a team spirit - in all of the teams I would say - to let that happen," he said from Melbourne's Albert Park circuit.

"When the team decides that it is safe to run, it is safe to run."

Alonso, the 2007 champion, will miss the opening race in Melbourne. He preferred to avoid risking a second concussion following his crash in pre-season testing at Barcelona.

A lack of video of the crash led to conspiracy theories including that Alonso was overcome by battery fumes or was electrocuted. His team, McLaren-Honda, categorically denied any mechanical failure and blamed a gust of wind.

Vettel, who fulfilled a boyhood dream when he switched from Red Bull to Ferrari, said it was an honour to race for the Italian heavyweights.

"I am very happy at this stage and I can't wait to get in the car and finally start racing with the team," he said.

"But equally, we know that we have to work hard because our ambition is very high and we want to make sure Ferrari gets back to the top."